Like the rest of the world, Sri Lanka has been hit by corona-pandemic, and the consequences of the lockdown are being felt. Low-income groups, especially day laborers and those working in industries such as tourism and clothing, are facing in the middle of major financial challenges.
Mission Possibles partner, Evangelical Alliance in Sri Lanka,estimates that 60-70% of all households are feeling the effects of the pandemic. Dhas led many into unemployment, and domestic violence and abuse has increased as a result of the psychological pressure many are experiencing.
The crisis is a challenge, but also creates opportunities for the church
The church in Sri Lanka is also challenged at this time. DharsanWho works in ourIt partner organization,says: "The Sri Lankan people are very socialized. It's a big challenge for Christians not to be able to have fellowship, especially in this time when it's difficult to understand what's going on. There is a great need for spiritual nourishment. To know that we can trust God. To know that God has a plan through this.
That can be hard to believe right now, especially for those facing the consequences of corona specialt Hard". BeforeIt business partneris in contact with over 200 churches in Sri Lanka, and many of the rural congregations have been financially challenged during the pandemic. The pastors in these areas, whose salaries depend on members' contributions, have therefore also found it difficult to cope.
Despite challengesno Dharsan also describes how the situation has given Christians an opportunity to reach out and help those most in need. Personally, Dharsan sees how the crisis has helped create perspective irelation to even own life. "I get three meals a day. With that comes a responsibility. I have to do my best and help the people suffering from the crisis," says Dharsan.
Together with the rest of his team and volunteers from the churches Dharsan is helping to distribute relief packs to families in the areas under regional lockdown. The packs consist of dry goods and other essentials and can feed a family for 2-3 weeks, depending on the size of the family.Working with local churches and community leaders, the team seeks to identify ofthat need it the most.
"With the relief packages, we want to support the families. Not only financially, but also by to give them hope and Supportede them psychologically. We want them to feel that there is someone, that recognizes the situation, they are in. That they need to know that there is someone who cares for them", says Dharsan.
The word must be demonstrated in action
There are no requirements or obligations associated with receiving the emergency aid package, and bBuddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims are among the recipients. During the handover, Christians do not talk about their faith, but the church will still be visible, and the hope is that the help on term can be a intime to be able to reach these people.
"By that equip churches to help the community, people realize that there is action behind the words of love. This gives churches great opportunities to build relationships with their neighbors and build bridges to the community.
We need to demonstrate the word in action. Therefore, help must be given in humility and love. We need to feed them first before we feed them spiritually", says Dharsan.
Hope despite the crisis
Sri Lanka eThroughout history, we have gone through a lot of adversity. The civil war from 1983-2009, the tsunami in 2014, the terrorist attack in 2019. Right now, the pandemic is raging with great consequences. But the Sri Lankan people have a short memory and an ability to recover, says Dharsan. He himself experiences that God is with In the middle of the pandemicand through the distribution of the relief packs, he wants to share the hope that they can come out the other side again.
